Saying thank you to a mail carrier is an easy and thoughtful way to share the holiday spirit with others
Through snow and rain, heat, and gloom of night, your local mail carriers deliver your letters and packages directly to your door (or at least your nearest mailbox). And, during the season of goodwill and cheer, they deserve major props. From mail carrier thank you cards to gifts for mail carriers, here are six ways to thank your mail carrier. The best part? All of these are easy for kids and fun, too (think baking cookies!).
Write a letter!
Even if you don't know your mail person by name, you can still address them in a general way, such as "Our Favorite Mailman" or "Our Faithful Carrier." A simple note that says how much you appreciate the hard work they do (extra cute if your kids can write it out) will go a long way in making your postal worker feel special. Put it in an envelope and use stickers instead of stamps. (After all, they love mail, right?) You can also nab this free, downloadable template if you need a little help!
As always, a thank you card is a lovely gesture. Let the kids draw a little picture or get creative or use a printable like this one to make a little note to attach to the flag of your mailbox. If you can afford it, add a $10 or $15 gift card for somewhere like Amazon or a nearby coffee shop in the envelope. Be sure and do something OBVIOUS to make it clear it's not a regular piece of mail.
Include a Gift Card
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If you can afford it, add a $10 or $15 gift card to somewhere like Target or a nearby coffee shop with the letter or the card. Be sure and do something obvious to make it clear it's not a regular piece of mail. Mail carriers are not legally allowed to accept single gifts valued at over $20 so keep that in mind.
A thoughtful gift (again, under $20) is another simple way to let them know you're thinking of them. Consider things like warm gloves, an insulated mug, cozy socks, or a new water bottle.
Bake Something Special
iStock
Leave cookies in the box or on the doorstep with a clearly marked sign. Be sure to seal them in something, even a ziplock or paper bag decorated with stickers works, and attach a note that says thanks! It's a good idea to list the ingredients in case of allergies or food sensitivities.
Say It Out Loud
iStock
Shout it out! If you're home when the mail comes, be sure to say, "Thank you!" Get the kids in the habit of saying it, too. You can always throw open a window and shout it out. A little gesture of kindness and gratitude like this can go a long way on a long day.
There are plenty of pre-made and themed Advent calendars for everyone. From Harry Potter collectibles and LEGO bricks to spa products and gourmet chocolate, we’ve rounded up the best countdown calendars of the season that will get kids (and parents!) in the spirit in no time.
Best Advent Calendars for LEGO-Lovers
LEGO City Advent Calendar
Santa with his sack of toys and Mrs. Claus on a snowboard are just two of the treasures you’ll find in this Advent calendar for little LEGO lovers.
This fun set includes minifigs of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, Aberforth Dumbledore, and Madam Rosmerta, plus iconic items from the Harry Potter movies.
Count down to Christmas with your favorite Star Wars characters. This fun Advent calendar includes LEGO Emperor Palpatine, an Ewok and a Pit Droid in holiday outfits, a Gonk Droid dressed as a reindeer, Omega with a sled, a 212th Clone Trooper, B-1 Battle Droid, and Princess Leia.
Your little builders will love unwrapping this fun set that will let them engineer a winter wonderland complete with lights, a motorized sled hill, and an ice rink.
Calling all animal lovers! This unique set lets your kids make their Advent calendar with stickers, markers, and miniature exotic animals from around the world! The set contains 24 surprise items including wild animals from all the continents. Fill each box per the included instructions or get creative and decide for yourself what to put inside. Then, decorate the set with the included stickers and personalize it with your child’s name.
The fun never ends with this buildable train station calendar. Once opened, kids can put together wooden railway tracks, wooden trains, 3 figures (Station master, Passenger, Santa), a wooden snowman, a wooden Christmas tree, a wooden gift pack, 3 plastic traffic marks, a plastic bridge, a plastic connection, plastic bag, and 1 station master traffic sign. Then just unfold the box, which transforms into a Christmas scene.
This seasonal day-by-day craft kit lets your kids unbox and make 24 seasonal crafts they can use as ornaments to hang on the tree. From beaded candy canes to yarn pom-poms, and cardboard reindeer to no-sew stockings—makers ages nine and up will be able to do all of these projects on their own (and younger artists can do it all with parental supervision).
Each day in this set will bring a new character that you can build from Santa and the reindeer to Frosty and friends. When the holidays are over, take them apart and make new creations!
Car-crazed kids will want to tear through this Advent calendar containing 25 days’ worth of “Vroom Vroom” fun, including 14 Micro Machine mini vehicles and 11 accessories. There’s also a racetrack to put together, so little drivers will have a place to race. The 2″ Micro Machines figures include cars, a plane, trucks, and more.
Sugarfina’s candy is sweet enough for the kids but unique enough in its flavors that grown-ups will want to get a taste, too! The gourmet candy company’s Gingerbread House Advent Calendar offers a 24-day tasting of the candy company’s gourmet candy collection, with a fun array of offerings from holiday presents, Heavenly Sours, Christmas Trees, Snowman Gummies, Walk of Fame Stars, and many more.
If your kids love chocolate, this calendar has 24 days of pre-wrapped melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate by the Italian confectionery company Ferrero. The only downside? There’s just one piece per day, so an extra calendar may just come in handy.
Mini Brands take all the things kids love—toys and snacks—and make them super-small for collecting and trading! They’ll be delighted to open up mini cans of Pringles and ramen every day during Advent.
You’ll get a number of Elf on the Shefl characters and Elf Pets in this fun set that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit. There’s even a fun racetrack to get everyone zooming around town.
PLAYMOBIL Magic Bathtime Fun Mermaids Advent Calendar
Perfect for toddlers, this splashtastic Advent calendar makes bath time fun. Once all the doors have been opened, your kids will have tons of mermaids, marine animals, and more to create all sorts of water adventures.
Paw Patrol is on a roll with this adorable Advent calendar filled with collectible dogs from the beloved show. Kids will be able to unbox a different character and accessory each day, with all of their favorite pups represented—plus extras to help with the storytelling, including animal friends and accessories.
Truth: Kids who love Play-Doh can’t get enough of the squishy stuff. This Advent calendar offers a standalone tub plus fun accessories (like tools, cutters, and accessories) for each of the 24 days before Christmas. The box also has tear-off play mats with snowman and gingerbread scenes so kids can use their imaginations to create wintery stories or enhance the scenes.
It’s Happy Christmas with this Funko Pop! calendar. Coming with 24 characters maxing out at 1.87 inches tall, this Harry Potter-themed Advent comes with plenty of Pocket Pops to complete your collection.
National Geographic Rocks, Minerals & Fossils Advent Calendar
Help your kid be a bonafide rock star with this advent calendar that offers a different rock, mineral, or fossil every day. The polished specimens include geode; pyrite, blue and rose quartz; tiger’s eye; brachiopod, and more. The final day’s treasure is a stunning rose quartz specimen that kids will dig out of a brick. Dig tool, brush, magnifying glass, and collector’s bag included, plus an illustrated gallery that identifies and describes each specimen.
Make every night in December Game Night! This Advent calendar lets you unbox a different family game for each of the 24 days leading up to Christmas. The collection includes dice games such as Farkle and Yatzy; party games such as Truth or Dare, Balloon Volleyball, and Tag-in-the-Dark; nostalgic games such as Marbles and Pick-up Sticks; brain teasers such as “Find It” and Tangram; and classics such as Dominoes, Tic-Tac-Toe, and War.
This pocket Advent calendar will quickly become a family tradition. Crafty parents will love filling it with tiny treats, family activities, and holiday toys.
Your family can travel this holiday season with this fun kit that brings you to a new country each day. Kids will love meeting a buddy who lives in that country and learning about holiday traditions all over the world.
Williams-Sonoma 24 Days of Baking Cookies Advent Calendar
This Advent calendar is a fun way to get your family baking this holiday season as it’s full of all the tools you’ll need to craft cookies, cakes, and pies. From cookie cutters to spatulas, piping bags, gift bags, decorating tips, and more, the goodies are guaranteed to inspire.
This set of tiny spreads and honey has a cult following and we can see why. Who doesn’t love tiny jars of jams and jellies to start off your mornings during the holiday season?
Vinebox’s wine advent calendar is back! Choose from two collections or get both for 24 nights of wine. The Cozy Collection features 12 delicious reds curated for fireplace chats and wool blankets. The Chill Collection includes a delightful mix of rich whites, invigorating rosés, and even a few chillable reds.
This year the KORRES Advent calendar is inspired by Greek tradition and features designs from the collection of the Benaki Museum. You’ll get 24 products for your skin, body, and hair.
Choose between 12-day and 24-day Advent calendars and you’ll get a pot of tea to enjoy each day. It’s a great way to kick off the busy mornings. This cute Advent calendar is reusable for next year which we love!
This garden-themed Advent calendar comes with 24 exquisitely handcrafted chocolates, made from ripe succulent flavors from California’s bountiful orchards. They’re almost too pretty to eat!
What dad doesn’t need a nice new pair of funky socks? Papa will be keeping his tootsies toasty all month long with this colorful advent calendar that gifts him a new pair of Happy Socks every day for 24 days. The box comes with a mix of holiday socks, dotted socks, striped socks—and a slew of others that are supposed to be a surprise.
Welcome in the holidays with a warm cup of joe! Bean Box’s Advent calendar comes with 12 limited-edition 2023 Holiday Blends that brew four to six mugs each. Choose from whole bean or blended, and then enjoy specialty coffee the whole season.
If you’d like to have a full holiday season of reds, whites, rosés, and bubblies, the WSJ Wines of the World Advent Calendar is perfect for sharing. Plus, the sweet nostalgic design and beautiful bottles make this one extra-special.
Why should your dog have to watch while you and the kids have all the fun? This adorably-designed Advent calendar comes with 24 treats your pup will love. You’ll get 4 gourmet dog macarons, 12 bone treats, and 8 truffles—all Fido-friendly, of course.
Meow! Treat your fur baby with this fun calendar for the holidays. It comes with 16 3 oz. Fancy Feast Gourmet Wet Cat Food, four Savory Cravings Cat Treat boxes, two broths, and two savory purees.
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“Live by the Golden Rule… but also know there’s more to it”
What exactly does it take to raise a compassionate, empathetic, and open-minded boy? According to experts, the key is open, honest, and frequent communication—starting when boys are young. We came up with 10 easy yet important messages for raising a son with compassion.
1. It’s more than OK to show and share your emotions. Boys traditionally haven’t been encouraged to express themselves emotionally. Instead, they are applauded for their prowess in physical pursuits like sports. Despite social progress that has definitively proven otherwise, “boys don’t cry” and “man up” remain common-if-outdated sentiments among even the most well-meaning parents. “Boys can have battles and want to jump off of things and light things on fire, and still be emotionally complex and need to be held when they are upset,” says Rosalind Wiseman, a parenting educator and author of Masterminds and Wingmen. Let your boy cry, hug him and tell him that you support him, always.
2. Don’t sweat the small stuff. According to Dr. Mary L. Gavin, what kids worry about is often related to the age and stage they’re in. For boys, particularly tween-aged and teenaged ones, anxiety about their changing bodies and changing social dynamics can easily and quickly spiral out of control. Encourage your boy to focus on what’s genuinely important—like having a solid foundation of knowing what’s right and what’s wrong—and to let go of the trivial stuff.
3. Live by the Golden Rule… but also know there’s more to it. Beyond teaching the Golden Rule, which is to treat others as you’d want to be treated, impress upon your boy that while respect is a two-way street, tolerance, and acceptance are just as important. According to Dana Williams, parenting columnist at Teaching Tolerance, the Golden Rule alone is insufficient. “There are times when we as parents must explain things that are painful and unfair—racism, sexism, stereotypes, hate. Times when we must comfort our children, times I have had to help my eight-year-old son learn that what some would do unto him isn’t always kind or fair.” Teach boys that mutual respect is just a start toward open-hearted acceptance.
4. Learn to walk in others’ shoes. An essential life skill that parents should teach children is empathy. “It sounds a lot like ‘sympathy,’ but empathy is quite different,” says business and life coach Justine Campbell of Mindquest Group. “Empathy is about feeling with other people. It’s the ability to understand and experience another’s feelings, and to respond in ways that help, not hinder.” Research shows that while the ability to understand others’ perspectives begins rising steadily in girls starting from age 13, it doesn’t really begin for boys until age 15. Empathy is like a muscle that needs to be flexed over time to gain power.
5. Know that kindness is one of your greatest strengths. Speaking of muscles: perhaps the greatest muscle everyone needs to use more is kindness. Encouraging boys to practice kindness will help to habituate them to know how to give and receive kindness, which will reap benefits in current and future relationships. Science has proven that kindness and generosity are the two driving forces that lead to successful, long-term relationships. Remind your boy that the more he uses his kindness muscle, the stronger it’ll get.
6. Celebrate those who are different from you. If empathy and tolerance are foundational skills required for nurturing a boy to become a nurturing, caring man, teaching him to celebrate differences in others will empower him to recognize and love the differences in himself. Scholastic has a useful lesson plan and reading list for learning about differences that can help foster a greater understanding for both young and old people alike.
7. Share what you have generously and willingly. Generosity is an infectious condition. According to Nancy Eisenberg, a researcher who specializes in children’s social development, children become more generous by having the experience of giving to others—and learning how good that feels. But there’s a catch: Eisenberg cautions that the giving experience needs to be voluntary. “If we force children to share, they walk away resentful, not feeling generous. Not surprisingly, they’re less likely to share after that.”
8. Recognize and embrace your own strengths and ideas—don’t always go with the flow. Few people would argue that callous behavior is somehow innate. If anything, bad attitudes and jerkiness tend to be learned over time—and either tamped down or reinforced by our social circles. Studies have shown that rudeness can be as contagious as the common cold; thus, it’s important to teach boys that they have control and ownership of their behavior and ideas, even if the crowd does and believes something different.
9. Know when to say “I’m sorry.” For many people, especially men, the two hardest words to say are “I’m sorry.” Girls and women often are conditioned to apologize, whether or not an apology is warranted. Teaching boys the power of saying “I’m sorry” will instill self-awareness and humility, and give them a head start in understanding that taking personal responsibility is a quality that will serve them well into their adulthood.
10. Be yourself. Whether you’re raising a son who is a star athlete who likes to wear black nail polish or a math whiz who likes to watch Broadway musicals, letting your kid know that he is perfect exactly the way he is will empower him to love himself, no matter what external cultural and social forces and messages may be put upon him. Reinforcing the truth that there isn’t a single way to “be a man” will help to create a new generation of boys who’ll change the world for the better.
Bored by that ever-present elf during the holidays? Here’s how to switch it up this year
There’s no pressure like the holidays to create lasting memories for our kids, but some of us aren’t ready to take on the nightly task of moving an elf around the house. Who wants to get out of bed because they forgot to set up an elaborate scene for Santa’s helper, night after night? If you’re looking for funny alternatives to Elf on the Shelf, look no further. We’ve got some funny, kind, and grown-ups only options we think you’ll love.
The Kindness Elves
The Imagination Tree
As an alternative to the Elf on the Shelf, the Kindness Elves have arrived for the holidays to encourage littles to carry out acts of kindness every day this season. Each bundle comes with two Elves, accessories, a beautifully illustrated Storybook, and the 12 Days of Christmas Kindness ePack to get families spreading kindness in no time.
Developed by a tired mom who couldn't keep up with the Elf on the Shelf tradition, Santa's Lazy Gnome is perfect for parents. Santa has hired a gnome to report back to him for his naughty and nice list, which means your family's guy can hang out on the mantle all. Season. Long. WIN! You can order your gnome on Lazy Gnomes for $29.
Shepherd on the Search
Amazon
The Shepherd on the Search ($22) is a faith-filled way to celebrate Christmas. During the Advent season, parents read the story of your shepherd's journey then hide your shepherd! Every year is a new opportunity for your shepherd's journey to start anew and end on Christmas day as the shepherd finds his way to the manger.
North Pole Ninjas
Amazon
The North Pole Ninjas ($6) are all about spreading kindness, and it shows in the beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the ancient legend that the North Pole Ninjas use for new recruits. The kit includes a plush and huggable "sensei" to guide Ninjas on their journey to carry out 50 special tasks, each packed in a special envelope. Your mission? To spread the holiday spirit, kindness, and love.
Reindeer in Here
Reindeer In Here ($24) comes with a book and plush reindeer that celebrates how being different is normal! Your reindeer is a friend sent by Santa as the first gift of the holiday season and encourages kids to take their new friend on the go, so they can get to know your family and help Santa deliver their Christmas wishes. Created by a dad who wanted a positive Christmas tradition for his children, this tradition celebrates our individuality. Get this funny alternative to the Elf on the Shelf here..
Mensch on a Bench
Amazon
Hanukkah will have some extra Funukkah with The Mensch on a Bench ($30) hardcover book and a 12-inch plush doll of Moshe the Mensch ($30). (For those not down with the lingo, "mensch" is a Yiddish word that means roughly "a good guy.") Kids will learn the story of Hanukkah with the help of Moshe. Moshe the Mensch tells the story of how he was present at the Temple in the time of Judah and the Maccabees, who defeated the Greeks and watched over the Menorah as everyone slept. Now he can help watch over yours!
Peep On A Perch
Amazon
Now you don’t have to wait until Christmas for a magical friend thanks to Peep On A Perch ($6). That sugar-coated marshmallow chick we all know and love to eat is now in plush form and ready to join your family in the countdown to Easter. Designed to inspire good manners and kindness in kids, the Peep On A Perch works the same as the Elf.
Acts of kindness can be small gestures or big efforts, and they’re all important
Kids are naturally compassionate, so why not take a few minutes today (and every day) to foster that inherent kindness? From simple gestures like giving up your seat on the bus to giving your kids’ teacher a “just because” gift, we’ve found over 75 simple acts of kindness that’ll allow you and the kids to pay it forward.
1. Offer to pick up groceries for an at-risk or elderly neighbor.
2. Compliment a stranger.
3. Collect your child’s old books that they no longer read and donate them to a children’s center, shelter, or local library.
4. Pay the bridge toll of the person behind you.
5. Bring flowers to a coworker or friend.
6. Carry someone’s groceries to their car for them.
7. Send a friend a positive text.
8. Ask a stranger how they are feeling today, and actually listen to the answer.
9. Bake cookies and deliver them to the local fire or police station.
10. Leave a big tip for a server or delivery person.
11. Make sandwiches and distribute them to the homeless in your neighborhood.
12. Help a senior cross the street.
13. Give up your seat on the bus.
14. Deliver a meal or a potted plant to a random neighbor.
16. Donate dog or cat food to the local animal shelter (call to ask them what brands they need). Many shelters want and need old blankets and towels as well.
17. Send a postcard to someone you love, even if they live nearby (or in the same house!).
18. Make a donation of a birthday box to a local food shelter: include items like cake mixes, frosting, candles, balloons, and party hats.
19. If it’s a hot day, hand out cold bottles of water.
20. If it’s raining, share your umbrella for a few blocks.
21. Make kindness cards from drawings and paintings of kids’ art. Drop a few by the nearest senior center and ask if they can use them for anyone who needs a bit of cheer.
29. Give thanks for everyday things, not just big acts or gifts. “Thank you for making me laugh today,” or “Thank you for helping me figure out that math problem,” or even simply, “Thank you for loving me.”
64. Add extra time to your meter for the next person.
65. Gather up gently used clothing and donate via ThredUp using their Donation Clean Out Kit.
66. Starting today, thank someone once a week for a year. You can send a thank-you via mail, email, text, phone, or in person. Make a little list of thank-yous and revisit them in 52 weeks.
67. Sit with someone new at lunch.
68. Ask a kid you don’t usually play with to play with you at recess.
69. Find a story or post you like, and let the writer know it meant something to you.
70. Be patient while waiting in line.
71. Leave a glowing review for a business or employee who helped you or your kids.
72. Give someone the benefit of the doubt.
73. Be a courteous and kind driver.
74. Be kind to urban animals and wildlife: do not chase pigeons or throw coins in a fountain where fish live.
75. Leave a note of kindness in the pocket of a coat in a clothing store, like “You look great in this!” or “You are more important than you could ever know.”
76. Order a new book from our list of diverse books for kids, and have it sent to a friend.
77. Send a friend or relative a sweet surprise from Sugarwish.
78. Wave hi to someone you don’t know!
79. Ask a friend if they need any help: could you walk their dog or drop off a book to read?
As parents, moving through the day at a mile-a-minute can easily become our norm. We often mislabel multitasking as a badge of honor when in reality it can be quite detrimental to our memory, and our ability to fully be in the moment with our loved ones. Introduce after-school activities, homework, birthday parties, media-time and our kids wind up on the same loop of go-go-go that we do.
Looking for an easy moment of pause? We’ve got you.
Something as simple as a daily reading routine with your kids can slow your pace and allow for your family to become present. Cracking a book, connecting over a story, delighting in the imagery on the page and in your imagination…these are the moments, it seems, we work so hard to capture. And these are the moments debut author-illustrator June Tate provides for parents, caretakers, teachers and the children in their lives with her book “What’s Sweeter.”
While tackling the everyday grind can model resilience, we love the opportunity that “What’s Sweeter” provides in modeling self-awareness, self-confidence and emotionality.
Peppered with delightful stencil drawings, this book is just as beneficial for our kids as it is for us.
is there anything sweeter / than cracking open a stiff new book to take a big whiff / and finding a list of all sweet moments that are tiny and powerful and everyday.
We follow a diverse cast of charmingly sketched characters as they reflect in wonder at everyday delights. Whether it’s landing a new skateboard trick or picking a big bowl of oranges by yourself, this book naturally inspires kids to recognize and relish the little moments in their daily lives.
Learning how to take these moments of pause and reflection is a lifelong practice your kids can begin to replicate outside of story-hour, and carry with them throughout their lives.
What Others Are Saying About What’s Sweeter:
'A soothing bedtime read. A quiet book that will help readers experience and reflect on the rich sensations of life.' — Kirkus Reviews
'Those who read it will find themselves enthralled. An endearing book for caregivers to share with children.' — School Library Journal
'Tate’s whimsical musing ends with a twist that brings this beguiling, even sweet, interlude close to the reader.' — Publishers Weekly
Perfect for a holiday gift, or any occasion, this book highlights the charm and joy in every day’s seemingly simple occurrences. Order your copy today.
Ask Alexa to pump up the holiday spirit and amuse your family using these fun Amazon Alexa Christmas skills
Want to keep the kids happy and entertained for the rest of the season? Let Alexa delight the children like your own personal holiday elf! All you have to do is ask. We’ve rounded up a few awesome Alexa Christmas skills to make your days and nights with the kids merry and bright—and hopefully out of your hair for a few minutes while “Santa” finishes wrapping all those gifts.
Need some help filling your playlist with Christmas songs? Using the iHeartRadio skill, iHeart Santa, kids can answer a series of questions posed by Santa to have a custom-curated list of holiday songs created for them.
“Alexa, play Christmas music.”
Nothing helps lift your spirits like some jolly Christmas tunes. Just say the word and Alexa will cue up your favorite songs of the season through Amazon Music. Even if you don’t happen to be a Prime Member, you can just enable the Christmas Radio skill and ask Alexa to play it. Bonus tip: ask Alexa to sing you a Christmas carol and the kids will love the response.
"Alexa, open Christmas Song Quiz."
Are you a Christmas Carol master? Step right up and test your knowledge. Alexa will read you lines from Christmas songs and ask you to guess the song titles, or ask you to finish the line. How many can you guess?
“Alexa, ask Christmas Countdown how long until Santa comes.”
If your excited tots wake up each morning in December wondering if Christmas has finally arrived, Alexa can help them keep track with the Christmas Countdown skill.
"Alexa, turn the Christmas tree lights on.”
Whether you want to be able to turn your Christmas lights on and off remotely or you’re hoping to light your home up like you're in the Great Christmas Light Fight, Alexa can help. Plug any light strand into an Alexa-compatible smart outlet and you can control them using your voice. If you want to get a little fancier, you can upgrade to Alexa-compatible smart Christmas lights that can be programmed with specific effects.
Want an easy way to help your kids understand the importance of giving and helping others? Alexa can help with the Christmas Kindness skill. When you enable the skill Alexa will prompt you with suggestions on random acts of kindness.
With so many ways to engage in holiday festivities with Alexa, this home assistant may as well be your very own "keep the kiddos busy" advent calendar for the whole month of December!
“Alexa, play Santa Claus.”
Want a direct line to the big man? Alexa has the hook-up. Kids can say "Alexa, ask Santa Claus if I'm naughty or nice" to find out which list they’ve made after being quizzed on a series of questions on their behavior.
“Alexa, start The Night Before Christmas.”
Get the kids ready for bed and those sugar plum visions with the classic tale of how Santa and his reindeer arrive. Alexa also has some other holiday stories up her sleeve.
“Alexa, play Christmas sounds.”
If you need a break from "Rudolph" and "Jingle Bells" but still want to fill your home with the sounds of the season, you can enable the Christmas sounds skill and Alexa will spread the holiday cheer with sounds like bells ringing and horse hooves clomping.
Speaking of Christmas Eve, if you want to get those kids off to bed so you can enjoy some quiet time and a glass of wine, convince them that Santa is on his way by enabling the NORAD Tracks Santa skill.
Don't worry, Alexa won't spoil all the Christmas magic. If anything, the home assistant has you covered by answering all those difficult questions you might not be ready to answer this year. Some other challenging Christmas questions Alexa can answer include “How old is Santa Claus?” and “What is the true meaning of Christmas?”
“Alexa, tell me some Christmas jokes.”
Everyone loves a good old cheesy joke, especially about Christmas. There are lots of great Christmas jokes and riddles out there and Alexa knows plenty of them. See how much Alexa can make you laugh!
Try out these 14 simple, family-friendly crafts that are perfect for Hanukkah
There’s only so much “Dreidel, Dreidel” a kid can play to celebrate each Hanukkah season. Make the Festival of Lights a little more fun with these easy Hanukkah crafts for kids. From a gold dinosaur menorah and “Menorahs By Mail” to pop-up cards and kindness chains—here are some creative ways to keep your little artists busy all eight nights.
Use all different shades and patterns of blue paper to decorate this Star of David. Take creative license and put your unique flair on this Hanukkah craft! Hang it in a window on a hook or wherever it fits best.
Make this giant menorah to display in a wide window or a big space. Let your kiddos get creative with the decorating. Use any paint colors and even add jewels (or glitter if you are brave) if you'd like.
Make your holiday cards stand out from the rest with this dreidel pop-up card that's way easier to make than it looks! All you need is cardstock paper, scissors, and watercolor paint. Get the simple instructions at Madcrafty on Youtube.
In Judaism, Tikkun Olam means "repairing the world through acts of kindness"—and it's one of the most important Jewish principles. This simple paper chain garland combines Tikkun Olam with the eight nights of Hanukkah—each link of the chain contains a simple act of kindness you and your kids can do each day. Get the instructions (and the free printable) at CoffeeandCarpool.com.
Menorah By Mail
Melissa Heckscher
Got loved ones who celebrate Hanukkah far, far away? We love this idea from Martha Stewart magazine, which lets you send a mailable "menorah" with gifts for all eight nights of Hanukkah. All you need is a business-sized envelope to decorate as the menorah, with eight smaller envelopes to go inside (or make your own envelopes, as we did!). Your kids can put small gifts or sweet messages inside each little envelope.
Is it baby's first Hanukkah? Mark the occasion by letting your little one put his foot down... in clay! These baby handprint and footprint menorahs are easy to make and will work as precious holiday decorations for years to come. Get the easy instructions at ReformJudaism.org.
Epic battle scenes! Death-defying miracles! Dramatic endings! There's a lot to the Hanukkah story that makes it a riveting tale. How about giving your kids the challenge of re-enacting the holiday story with LEGO bricks? That's what this family did one year after a Hanukkah gingerbread house led to a family tradition of LEGO holiday retellings. Get the story—and some inspiration—at Reformjudaism.org.
Menorah Flame Headpiece
Melissa Heckscher
Every little person at your Hanukkah gathering absolutely must wear one of these adorable menorah flame headpieces (Bonus points if you've got exactly nine kids). There are no fancy instructions for this Hanukkah craft: Just cut strips of construction paper and affix a paper flame in the middle. Let your kids decorate their flame—glue and glitter make it really sparkle! Then, staple the strips at the ends according to each child's head size. Light the lights!
Let the kids in on the holiday surprises by asking them to help make these fun party favors. Toilet paper tubes, paint, glitter glue, and tissue paper (plus fun treats for stuffing into the tubes) are all that are needed to make these colorful treats that can be used over and over again. Creative Jewish Mom has step-by-step instructions on how to make them.
What’s better than a Hanukkah gift? One that’s wrapped in special, homemade wrapping paper. Tori Avey has a great idea for a potato-stamped paper that the kids will have as much fun making as they do opening.
Everything is better with glitter! Kids will love constructing their own sparkly menorahs that use silver glitter, gold sequins, and glitter glue! You might be cleaning up stray glitter until long past Hanukkah, but the beauty of these keepsake menorahs will make it worth the mess. Get the instructions from this Creative Jewish Mom.
It won't take much convincing to get kids on board for this craft, which doubles as a delicious dessert. These Hanukkah-themed treats are as yummy as they are adorable. The bite-sized desserts—they're made of just marshmallows, sprinkles, pretzels, and chocolate—are the perfect treat to bring to any Hanukkah party or to serve after dinner at your own special bash. Food blogger Tori Avey has an easy no-bake recipe. *Psst: These little edibles take just a few minutes to prepare.
The Menorasaurus
Melissa Heckscher
Why settle for an ordinary menorah when you can make one that's both a candle holder and a fearsome prehistoric reptile? This DIY "menorasaurus" may look store-bought, but making it is actually easier than you'd think. All you need is some spray paint, a plastic dinosaur, and some hex nuts. Get the instructions (for this and other fun homemade menorahs) here.
Why let the Hanukkah fun stop after the dreidels stop spinning? Bring the menorah into the bathtub with this simple DIY foam bath set. Kids can help cut the shapes from foam boards, but the real fun comes in the tub when they can construct and deconstruct their menorahs, over and over again! Get easy instructions for this Hanukkah craft from Simple Play Ideas.
Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact and give back this season? Spread some holiday cheer to the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® by participating in their third annual St. Jude Joy Drive.
Since it opened on Feb. 4, 1962, St. Jude has helped countless families. So much so, that treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% when they first opened their doors to more than 80% today.
To further its lifesaving mission, St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes freely, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. With assistance from generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.
While St. Jude has made great strides, there is still more to be done to find a cure for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases—and that’s where you come in! Read on to learn more about how to spread holiday cheer for a good cause (and have fun while doing it)!
Spread some holiday cheer to the kids and families of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in their third annual St. Jude Joy Drive. Visit their site to learn more and participate.
St. Jude patient Connor, who is diagnosed with medulloblastoma, pictured with his mother Brooke and father Christopher.
Throughout December, St. Jude is hosting the St. Jude Joy Drive—a social media-driven campaign that highlights St. Jude supporters through heartwarming and inspirational storytelling of why they continue to give to St. Jude.
To join them, share what brings you joy over the holidays on your social media account. To participate, simply post a video about what makes you light up during the festive season and why you donate and support St. Jude. Be sure to tag @stjudela, who will share it on their social media during the month of December. You can include your favorite traditions, activities, things to eat and drink, or a favorite memory.
Invite your friends, family and followers to share what they love about the holidays, and to give a suggested donation of $10, or whatever they can donate to St. Jude.
Spreading joy is an easy way to bring some holiday magic to families and children who are spending their holidays at the hospital. Help share the joy of the holidays from your heart with the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by participating in the St. Jude Joy Drive and make a lasting difference!
The importance of kindness can’t be overstated. It builds empathy and makes kids more resilient
Anyone who’s ever seen a two-year-old shout “MINE!” during a tussle with another toddler may question a child’s innate altruism. The good news is that experts say kindness is instinctual and that being kind should be every parent’s No. 1 goal. Why? Studies show that the simple act of being nice helps kids grow into happier, healthier, and more likable people.
“Kindness helps children’s mental health, their resilience, as well as their peak performance,” says educational psychologist Michele Borba, author of Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine.Want to know more about how “playing nice” makes all the difference? Read on for the expert scoop.
Kindness Builds Empathy
Xavier Mouton Photographie/ Unsplash
Kindness and empathy often go hand in hand. After all, it takes an understanding of what someone is going through to figure out the best way to help them.
"It doesn’t mean kindness is the same as empathy," said Borba, who also wrote the 2016 book, UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World. "Practicing empathy helps a child develop a kindness mindset. They say, ‘I see myself as a kind person,' and then they’re more likely to keep doing it."
But here's the bad news: Empathy is going down. According to a nearly 30-year study into empathy, teens today are 40% less empathetic than they were just a generation ago, while narcissism has increased by 58%.
Of course, this can change if kids today learn to cultivate what Borba calls their empathy "superpower." Parents can do this with something as simple as reading to their children and stopping to ask, "How do you think that character is feeling right now?"
"Empathy is a superpower to helping kids become more resilient in a more uncertain world," Borba said."With everything going on in the world today, from racism to social injustice, now is prime time to think empathy and to have some real serious wonderful debates in your family."
As parents, you've probably seen it. Your child is having a bad day: She's slow to get out of bed; she's fighting with her sibling; she bickers with you. Then, the final straw: She stubs her toe.
Cue the meltdown.
But consider: If that same child is bobbing along, happy and regulated, that same stubbed toe might spark barely a whimper.
Experts say it's a domino effect: Kindness sparks happiness and gratitude—which builds resilience. "If you’re concerned about your pain—disappointment, stress, unhappiness—it’s hard to feel for others," Borba said. "You’re in self-care mode and often dial your empathy down so you can breathe."
Once kids learn the secret of giving back or feeling with another, they can realize they’re not alone, Borba said. Stress reduces, empathy opens, and they find a way to be kind to each other (and themselves!).
"They also learn a key lesson," she added. "Compassion in action is one of the best ways to help another and yourself."
According to this research from the Center for Creative Leadership, kindness is crucial for building successful leaders. The study demonstrated that empathetic leaders, in particular, were considered better at their jobs than those who didn't show high levels of empathy.
"Empathetic leaders are assets to organizations, in part, because they can effectively build and maintain relationships—a critical part of leading organizations anywhere in the world," the research concluded.
Borba agreed. "Thrivers have an 'I got this feeling,'" she said, adding that empathy and kindness are two of the critical skills kids need to thrive as adults. "They're kids who think we, not me. Kids who, when adversity comes, are not so quick to wave it off; instead, they’re trying to think all the views that are important and they're asking, 'How can I solve this?'"
Ask Kindness Rocks Project founder Megan Murphy why she likes to paint words onto rocks and leave them anonymously on the ground for strangers, and she'll be quick to tell you: It just feels good.
"It’s like art therapy. You give yourself that message that you need, and then give it to someone else who might be experiencing the same thing," said Murphy, a life coach and mother of two whose simple idea in 2014 to paint rocks and leave them anonymously for strangers has sparked a worldwide phenomenon that has spread to more than 90 countries. "I never planned to make a movement; I just wanted people to spread kindness."
Studies show that kindness activates the pleasure centers of the brain, raising serotonin levels and decreasing cortisol (stress) levels. In other words, kindness rewires our brains to be happy. But you know what's even cooler? It can rewire other people's brains, too. Studies show that a single act of kindness not only increases feel-good chemicals in the brains of the giver, but it also benefits the receiver—and anyone who witnesses the act (which explains feel-good stories like this one about a teacher who was suddenly gifted more than $500 by four strangers on a cross-country flight).
"When we’re in service of others, our problems seem lesser," Murphy said. "It gives us a greater perspective."
Since being kind makes us feel good, what better way to hone a child's sense of self-worth than to practice kindness?
"Many small acts of kindness add up to bigger feelings," said Murphy. "Now, more than ever, it's important for kids to understand that kindness exists, to see their classmates spreading kindness and being nice to each other."
But don't just take her word for it. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence demonstrated that acts of kindness—whether big (like helping build a house for a low-income family) or small (painting kindness rocks)— boost levels of self-esteem in kids and teens.
"It gives kids a sense of purpose and a sense of, 'I matter,' Murphy said. "There’s no greater sense than feeling like 'I matter.'"
Want to boost your immune system? Be kind. According to multiple studies, kind people have better overall health, lower blood pressure and stronger well-being (conversely, depression and anxiety can make us more likely to get sick).
And it doesn't matter how small the act. Even simple acts of kindness (like anything in this free printable Kindness Calendar) can give our immune systems a boost as well as benefit our overall mental and cardiovascular health.
"It can be said that a generous life is a happier and healthier one," was the conclusion of this report published in the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. "A strong correlation exists between the well-being, happiness, health, and longevity of people who are emotionally kind and compassionate."
Leave it to science to prove what we've all known forever, but here it is—people like nice people.
According to an Australian study of almost 3,000 high schoolers, kids who exhibited more kind behaviors had more friends than those who showed more "antisocial" behaviors. Similarly,this study of Canadian teens also showed that high schoolers who performed three acts of kindness toward others during a prescribed four-week period were better liked by their peers than those who performed three acts for themselves. Not surprisingly, studies have also shown that kids who have a kind mindset are less likely to be bullied or bully others.
"It may be easier to be friends with a kind person, but those who are unkind not only need friends but need kindness demonstrated to them," said Bo Whittenton, "Chief Kindness Officer" at the Be Kind People Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to "building a generation of respectful, responsible, healthy and caring citizens" through kindness-based educational programming. "We need to teach our children that kindness matters and should be practiced every day."
As if simply being happier isn't impetus enough to choose kindness, how about living a longer and healthier life? This study of more than 300,000 people found that having friends was the number 1 factor in leading a healthier, happier life. In fact, according to research, a lack of friends was as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and riskier than being obese when it comes to decreasing your lifespan.
If people are happier when they are kind, and kinder when they are happy—it makes sense that the world itself would be a better place the more people practiced kindness. After all, for as long as we've been around, kindness has been entrenched in our consciousness as imperative. Consider these quotes:
For it is in giving that we receive — Saint Francis of Assisi
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” — The Dalai Lama
Making money is a happiness; making other people happy is a superhappiness — Nobel Peace Prize recipient Muhammad Yunus
If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” —Chinese saying
Of course, finding time for kindness can be difficult in today's busy, digital, often contactless, world.
"Students are online more today than ever before. Many things are out of our control, but our personal choices and behavior are not," said Whittenton, who encourages all kids to learn about and take a Kindness Pledge. " I choose to find the positive in every day. Yes, there is a lot of negativity and selfishness, but I believe that is the minority. It takes one act of kindness to begin a chain reaction. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s citizens, leaders and parents."
So there you have it. Be positive. Practice small acts of kindness. Talk to each other (in person!). And be kind.